State's unwanted cats have new champion

FACEBOOK is becoming the saviour for many of Tasmania's homeless cats and kittens.

Longford woman Rachel Beech's Just Cats Tasmania Facebook page has been growing like topsy through word of mouth since it started in August.

So far it has found new homes for at least 60 kittens and five cats and has about 13 carers with kittens spread between Boat Harbour, Burnie, Devonport, Launceston, Longford and Hobart, as well as links with an animal shelter at Queenstown.

How big the not-for-profit service would grow would depend on carer numbers, Mrs Beech said.

"It started with two cats with kittens and there are now over 150 kittens and 20-odd cats," she said.

Mrs Beech operates a shelter at Longford.

Former RSPCA Tasmania and RSPCA Queensland board member Pat Gillespie said she was "very hopeful it's a great step forward for the cats and kittens of Tasmania".

"I think it has incredible potential," Ms Gillespie said.

"Most people are now aware of Facebook and what Rachel has done is extraordinary.

"She has found a whole new way of tackling this problem that is cost efficient, provides excellent services and provides a community to cat owners and people who want to adopt."

Mrs Beech said the service took in cats and kittens that needed to be rehomed.

She said it would take kittens on condition the mother cat was desexed.

Potential carers can contact the service via the Facebook page or by calling Mrs Beech on 0412 581 672.